1
a
: lacking material possessions
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by poverty
2
a
: less than adequate : meager
b
: small in worth
3
: exciting pity
you poor thing
4
a
: inferior in quality or value
c
: mean, petty
5
6
: barren, unproductive
used of land
7
8
: lacking a normal or adequate supply of something specified
often used in combination
oil-poor countries
poorish
ˈpu̇r-ish How to pronounce poor (audio)
ˈpȯr-
adjective
poorness noun

Examples of poor in a Sentence

We were too poor to buy new clothes. The organization helps poor families. She has a poor vocabulary. It was a poor attempt at a joke. He is in poor condition. She couldn't read the sign because her vision was too poor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Weak adductors often lead to poor pelvic control, which can manifest as lower back pain, hip discomfort or even knee problems. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025 The endeavor — which involved bulldozing local slums and replacing them with apartments for poor families — is the brainchild of Anne Guinness and Lady Adelaide Guinness (Ann Skelly), the siblings’ first cousin and Edward’s future wife. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 Just 32% of American adults believe the UN is doing a good job attempting to solve global issues, while 63% rate its performance as poor, according to Gallup. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025 There are 577 bridges in Milwaukee, and only 5% are considered to be in poor condition, according to a new Wisconsin Policy Forum report. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poure, from Anglo-French povre, pore, from Latin pauper; akin to Latin paucus little and to Latin parere to give birth to, produce — more at few, pare

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of poor was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poor. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

poor

1 of 2 adjective
ˈpu̇(ə)r,
ˈpō(ə)r
1
: lacking riches or possessions
2
: less than enough
a poor crop
3
: not good in quality or character of work
4
: lacking fertility
poor land
5
: not satisfactory
the patient had a poor day
6
: lacking in signs of wealth or good taste
poor furnishings
7
: worthy of pity or sympathy
the poor kitten hurt its paw
poorly adverb
poorness noun

poor

2 of 2 plural noun
: poor people
charity for the poor

More from Merriam-Webster on poor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!